β-Caryophyllene from Chilli Pepper Inhibits the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Affecting miR-659-3p-Targeted Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SphK1)

Abstract

Jiaji Lei, Qiushi Wang, Guanghua Li, Yongchao Li, Pengfei Zhang, Guangquan Xu Department of Second Ward of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 157011, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Guangquan XuDepartment of Second Ward of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 157011, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax [phone]Email [email protected]: β-Caryophyllene is the main ingredient of chilli pepper and used for the prevention of various cancers, while the molecular mechanism for its effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.Methods: NSCLC cell lines A549 and NCI-H1299 were treated with β-Caryophyllene and miR-659-3p (a potential tumor suppressor) mimic or siRNA. The levels of miR-659-3p, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), apoptotic factors and oxidative stress factors were investigated.Results: β-Caryophyllene inhibited NSCLC growth, promoted their apoptotic rate, increased the level of miR-659-3p, apoptotic factors (cleaved caspase-3 and BAX), antioxidant factors (SOD, CAT and GPx) and reduced the level of oxidative stress (ROS and NO) and SphK1. miR-659-3p mimic and siRNA affected NSCLC growth, their apoptosis, and biochemical indices.Conclusion: β-Caryophyllene of chilli pepper exerts inhibitory activity in NSCLC cells possibly by affecting miR-659-3p-targeted SphK1.Keywords: β-caryophyllene, chilli pepper, non-small cell lung cancer, miR-659-3p, sphingosine kinase 1

Keywords

• β-caryophyllene
• chilli pepper
• non-small cell lung cancer
• mir-659-3p
• sphingosine kinase 1